Helical hair styling device

ABSTRACT

A hair accessory can include an elongate member constructed of an elastic material formed into a helix having a plurality of coils. The elongate member can include a first end segment, a second end segment, and an intermediate segment located between the first and second end segments. The first and second end segments can have a smaller average diameter than the intermediate segment.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

Among other things, the present disclosure relates to hair accessories, and more particularly, to an elongate hair accessory having a helical shape.

Description of Related Art

Multitudes of accessories exist for bundling and retaining hair. Hair clips, hair bands, barrettes, headbands, ribbons and rubber or elastomeric bands are all known in the art for securing and shaping hair. Rubber bands, or variations thereof, are some of the simplest and most common devices which exist in the art. These circular bands rely on the elastomeric properties of the underlying material to form a solid hold around a bundle of hair.

However, in order to hold hair sufficiently securely, circular rubber bands often have the side effect of squeezing a bundle of hair too tightly. This results in hair pulling on the scalp, which has the potential to cause hair breakage, headaches, or long term effects such as traction alopecia. Furthermore, in textured hair, such as hair that is very curly or tightly coiled, rubber bands can be wrapped so tightly around a bundle of hair that they become nearly impossible to remove without cutting the rubber band. This destroys the rubber band, and inevitably leads to accidently cutting hair along with the hair accessory. Circular bands of any type also suffer from adjustability problems. They can be stretched and looped, but often are unable to accommodate a bundle of hair of the desired size without being too tight or too loose.

SUMMARY

Features disclosed herein enable a user to secure and shape a bundle of hair quickly and easily, while also maintaining a correct, comfortable fit. A hair accessory can exert an elastic force with an intermediate segment to retain a bundle of hair, and can include first and second end segments that are configured to secure the hair accessory upon itself.

A hair accessory can include an elongate member in the form of a helix having a plurality of coils. The elongate member can be constructed from an elastic material and can have a first end segment, a second end segment, and an intermediate segment located between the first and second end segments. The first end segment, second end segment, and intermediate segment can each have an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter of the first end segment can be equal to the inner diameter of the second end segment. The outer diameter of the first end segment can be equal to the outer diameter of the second end segment. The inner diameter of the first and second end segments can be substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the intermediate segment. The outer diameter of the first and second end segments can be substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the intermediate segment. The elongate member can have substantially the same thickness in the first, second, and intermediate segments.

A hair accessory can include an elongate member in the form of a helix having a plurality of coils. The elongate member can have a first end segment, a second end segment, and an intermediate segment located between the first and second end segments. Each segment can each have an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and an average diameter. The average diameter for each segment can be equal to the arithmetic mean of the inner diameter and the outer diameter for that segment. The average diameter of the first end segment can be substantially smaller than the average diameter of the intermediate segment. The average diameter of the second end segment can be substantially smaller than the average diameter of the intermediate segment.

A method of bundling hair can include disposing a hair accessory around a bundle of hair. The hair accessory can include an elongate member in the form of a helix having a plurality of coils. The elongate member can be constructed from an elastic material and can have a first end segment, a second end segment, and an intermediate segment located between the first and second end segments. The method can also include wrapping the hair accessory around the bundle of hair and securing the first and second end segments upon each other by twisting the first and second end segments together, thereby interlocking two or more coils of the first end segment with two or more coils of the second end segment. The first end segment, second end segment, and intermediate segment each have an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter of the first end segment can be equal to the inner diameter of the second end segment. The outer diameter of the first end segment can be equal to the outer diameter of the second end segment. The inner diameter of the first and second end segments can be substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the intermediate segment. The outer diameter of the first and second end segments can be substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the intermediate segment. The elongate member can have substantially the same thickness in the first, second, and intermediate segments.

In some embodiments, the elongate member can have a thickness of approximately (i.e. ±10%) 0.125 inches. The inner diameters of the first and second end segments can be approximately 0.15 inches. The outer diameters of the first and second end segments can be approximately 0.4 inches. The inner diameter of the intermediate segment can be approximately 0.55 inches. The outer diameter of the intermediate segment can be approximately 0.8 inches. The first and second end segments can each measure approximately 1 inch in length and the intermediate segment can measure approximately 4 inches in length when the hair accessory is in a relaxed state. Therefore, the hair accessory can measure approximately 6 inches in length when hair accessory is in a relaxed state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above summary and the below detailed description of illustrative embodiments may be read in conjunction with the appended Figures. The Figures show some of the illustrative embodiments discussed herein. The relative dimensions shown in the Figures can serve as original support for claimed features. As further explained below, the claims are not limited to the illustrative embodiments and are therefore not limited to any dimensions shown in the Figures unless otherwise explicit. For clarity and ease of reading, Figures may omit views of certain features.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment in a relaxed state.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment in an extended state.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment twisted into a plurality of loops.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the exemplary embodiment functioning as a hair accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application discloses illustrative (i.e., example) embodiments. The claimed inventions are not limited to the illustrative embodiments. Therefore, many implementations of the claims will be different from the illustrative embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the claimed inventions without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The claims are intended to cover implementations with such modifications.

At times, the present application employs various directional terms (e.g., front, back, top, bottom, left, right, transverse, longitudinal, axial, etc.) to give the reader context when viewing the Figures. The claimed inventions are not limited to the orientations shown in the Figures. Any absolute term (e.g., high, low, etc.) can be understood as disclosing a corresponding relative term (e.g., higher, lower, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 1, a hair accessory 100 can include an elongate member 102 having a helical (i.e. coiled, spiral, or spring) shape around a central longitudinal axis. The helical shape of hair accessory 100 can consist of a plurality of coils 104. As defined herein, the term “coil” means a 360-degree rotation of elongate member 102 around longitudinal axis. Hair accessory 100 can have first and second end segments 110, 130 and one or more intermediate segments 120.

Elongate member 102 of the hair accessory 100 can be made from a synthetic (e.g. polymer) material such as polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), rubber, natural rubber, silicone, or any other material having elastic properties. The elongate member 102 can be constructed from one single piece formed into a helix, but can also be constructed from a plurality of pieces that may be connected in any known manner. For example, ends of portions of the elongate member 100 can be glued, melted, or stitched together, or can be connected using a connecting piece. The elongate member 102 can have a generally circular cross sectional-area, as seen in FIG. 2, but can also have other cross-sectional shape (e.g. rectangular, oval, square, triangular, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 2, each coil 104 of elongate member 102 can extend in a round direction around a longitudinal axis. Elongate member 102 can have a thickness 202. Each coil of first end segment 110 can have an inner diameter 112 and an outer diameter 114. Each coil of intermediate segment 120 can have an inner diameter 222 and an outer diameter 224. Each coil of second end segment 130 can have an inner diameter 132 and an outer diameter 134. In first and second end segments, elongate member 102 can be more tightly coiled around the longitudinal axis, which results in coils 104 of the first and second end segments 110, 130 having both inner diameters 112, 132 and outer diameters 114, 134 of smaller magnitude than the respective diameters of coils 104 in the intermediate segment 120. In the exemplary embodiment, first end segment 110 can have substantially the same dimensions and configuration as second end segment 130 such that the inner diameters 112,132, the outer diameters, 114, 134, and the number of coils 104 are approximately equal for first and second end segments 110, 130.

During uses such as securing and retaining hair, a user can temporarily deform the helical shape of elongate member 102 by applying a force such as stretching, bending, twisting, pulling, etc. Referring to FIG. 3, such deformation can cause expansion of any or all of segments 110, 120, 130 such that space is formed between any number of adjacent coils 104. In the exemplary embodiment, such a deformation results in elastic stress due to elastic properties of the material of elongate member 102 and torsion (sheer) stress due to the helical shape of elongate member 102. After being released, hair accessory 100 can return to similar, or substantially similar, shape and dimensions as those which it had prior to deformation.

Referring to FIG. 4, hair accessory 100 can be secured upon itself without the use of an additional connecting or fastening mechanism. In one exemplary mode of operation, first end segment 110 can be secured upon second end segment 130. When first end segment 110 is deformed to an appropriate degree, a portion of elongate member 102 in second end segment 130 can be positioned in the space between adjacent coils 104 in first end segment 110. At the same time, second end segment 130 can be deformed such that a portion of elongate member 102 in first end segment 110 can be positioned in the space between adjacent coils 104 in second end segment 130. First and second end segments 110, 130 can be further intertwined with each other by stretching and twisting the segments together in order to interlock additional coils in the same manner. While this exemplary mode of operation includes securing first and second end segments 110, 130 upon each other, hair accessory 100 is capable of securing any two helical segments upon each other in the same manner (including, but not limited to: first end segment 110 upon intermediate segment 120; second end segment upon intermediate segment; and intermediate segment 120 upon intermediate segment 120).

A user can dispose hair accessory 100 around any variety of objects in order to retain or hold such objects. Referring to FIG. 5, the user may wrap, twist, or stretch hair accessory 100 around a bundle of hair 502 to hold and retain the same. When the user has achieved a desired fit and amount of retaining force, the user can secure hair accessory 100 upon itself in the manner describe herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, the coils 104 of first and second end segments 110, 130 can have both inner diameters 112, 132 and outer diameters 114, 134 of smaller magnitude than the respective inner 222 and outer 224 diameters of coils 104 in the intermediate segment 120. For example, inner diameters 112, 132 and outer diameters 114, 134 can be less than or equal to approximately 75%, or preferably 50%, of the respective inner 222 and outer 224 diameters of the intermediate segment 120. As such, first and second end segments 110, 130 can exert a greater restoring force in response to being deformed. Therefore, first and second end segments 110, 130 can increase the ability of hair accessory 100 to be secured upon itself. At the same time, intermediate segment 120 can have a weaker restoring force relative to first and second end segments 110, 130. Therefore, hair accessory 100 has the ability to strongly secure upon itself without pulling too forcefully on the bundle of hair 502 around which it is disposed.

In another embodiment (not shown in Figures), elongate member 102 can have a larger thickness 202 in first and second end segments 110, 130 than the respective thickness 202 of elongate member 102 in intermediate segment 120. In this additional exemplary embodiment, increasing the thickness 202 of elongate member 102 is another approach to increasing the restoring force and thus increasing the securing ability of hair accessory 100 in first and second end segments 110, 130. Other approaches to increasing the securing ability of hair accessory 100 include constructing elongate member 102 of a more rigid material in first and second end segments 110, 130, or utilizing materials having non-slip or slip-resistant properties or textures in first and second end segments 110, 130.

Other variations of the exemplary embodiment can include an elongate member constructed of an inner core and an outer layer, for example an outer coating. The inner core can be a material having stronger elastic properties than the outer layer, such that material of the inner core results in an increased restoring force when hair accessory 100 is deformed. The outer layer can include materials that are harder, softer, provide less friction, or provide more friction (i.e. non-slip or slip resistant), depending on the needs of the hair accessory in question. In other embodiments, hair accessory 100 can include an elongate member 102 with a sheath constructed from a flexible fabric, such as spandex or cotton. In still other embodiments, one or both of first and second end segments 110, 130 can include a means for attaching elongate member 102 to one or more decorative items. The means for attaching can include clips, clasps, snaps, hooks, and the like. In yet other embodiments, elongate member 102 can be impregnated or infused with a fragrance.

Although the present disclosure has described the invention in terms of exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A hair accessory comprising: an elongate member comprising a helix having a plurality of coils, the elongate member being constructed from an elastic material and having a first end segment, a second end segment, and an intermediate segment located between the first and second end segments; wherein the first end segment, second end segment, and intermediate segment each have an inner diameter and an outer diameter; wherein the inner diameter of the first end segment is equal to the inner diameter of the second end segment; wherein the outer diameter of the first end segment is equal to the outer diameter of the second end segment; wherein the inner diameter of the first and second end segments is substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the intermediate segment; wherein the outer diameter of the first and second end segments is substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the intermediate segment; and wherein the elongate member has substantially the same thickness in the first, second, and intermediate segments.
 2. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein the first end segment has substantially the same dimensions and configuration as the second end segment; wherein the inner diameter of the first and second end segments is approximately 0.15 inches, the outer diameter of the first and second end segments is approximately 0.4 inches, the inner diameter of the intermediate segment is approximately 0.55 inches, and the outer diameter of the intermediate segment is approximately 0.8 inches; and wherein the hair accessory has a length of approximately 6 inches when the hair accessory is in a relaxed state.
 3. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein the elongate member further comprises an inner core and an outer layer.
 4. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein the elongate member is constructed of a material selected from polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride.
 5. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein the first and second end segments comprise a slip-resistant surface.
 6. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein the elongate member is impregnated with a fragrance.
 7. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein the first end segment includes a means for attaching the elongate member to one or more decorative items.
 8. A hair accessory comprising: an elongate member comprising a helix having a plurality of coils, the elongate member having a first end segment, a second end segment, and an intermediate segment located between the first and second end segments; wherein each segment has an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and an average diameter, the average diameter being equal to the arithmetic mean of the inner diameter and the outer diameter; wherein the average diameter of the first end segment is substantially smaller than the average diameter of the intermediate segment; and wherein the average diameter of the second end segment is substantially smaller than the average diameter of the intermediate segment.
 9. The hair accessory of claim 8, wherein the elongate member is constructed from an elastic material.
 10. The hair accessory of claim 9, wherein the first end segment has substantially the same dimensions and configuration as the second end segment; wherein the inner diameter of the first and second end segments is approximately 0.15 inches, the outer diameter of the first and second end segments is approximately 0.4 inches, the inner diameter of the intermediate segment is approximately 0.55 inches, and the outer diameter of the intermediate segment is approximately 0.8 inches; and wherein the hair accessory has a length of approximately 6 inches when the hair accessory is in a relaxed state.
 11. The hair accessory of claim 8, wherein the elongate member has substantially the same thickness in the first, second, and intermediate segments.
 12. The hair accessory of claim 6, wherein the outer diameters of the first end segment, the second end segment, and the intermediate segment are approximately equal.
 13. The hair accessory of claim 6, wherein the first and second end segments comprise a slip-resistant surface.
 14. The hair accessory of claim 6, wherein the elongate member is constructed of a material selected from polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride.
 15. A method of bundling hair comprising: disposing a hair accessory around a bundle of hair, the hair accessory comprising an elongate member comprising a helix having a plurality of coils, the elongate member being constructed from an elastic material and having a first end segment, a second end segment, and an intermediate segment located between the first and second end segments; wrapping the hair accessory around the bundle of hair; and securing the first and second end segments upon each other by twisting the first and second end segments together, thereby interlocking two or more coils of the first end segment with two or more coils of the second end segment; wherein the first end segment, second end segment, and intermediate segment each have an inner diameter and an outer diameter; wherein the inner diameter of the first end segment is equal to the inner diameter of the second end segment; wherein the outer diameter of the first end segment is equal to the outer diameter of the second end segment; wherein the inner diameter of the first and second end segments is substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the intermediate segment; wherein the outer diameter of the first and second end segments is substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the intermediate segment; and wherein the elongate member has substantially the same thickness in the first, second, and intermediate segments.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first end segment has substantially the same dimensions and configuration as the second end segment.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the inner diameter of the first and second end segments is approximately 0.15 inches, the outer diameter of the first and second end segments is approximately 0.4 inches, the inner diameter of the intermediate segment is approximately 0.55 inches, and the outer diameter of the intermediate segment is approximately 0.8 inches; and wherein the hair accessory has a length of approximately 6 inches when the hair accessory is in a relaxed state.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongate member has substantially the same thickness in the first, second, and intermediate segments.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongate member further comprises an inner core and an outer layer.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongate member is constructed of a material selected from polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride. 